In a shootout in the waters of Pulau Gaya, the security forces shot dead three of the abductors and arrested two.

They also rescued one of the two captives.

Two abductors and a captive went missing following the shootout about 9pm.

Najib, in a post on his official blog, said it was not an easy task ensuring security over a large expanse of water.

He also said the government wanted appropriate, stern and effective action to be taken to prevent abductions.

“Do not give any room whatsoever to the criminals to encroach into the country’s territory and cause chaos.

“Continue to safeguard the country’s waters, borders and sovereignty,” he posted.

Najib also said Malaysian security forces would cooperate with the Philippine authorities to identify the skipper who was kidnapped last night.

The government would also draw up measures against abductions, he added.

Sabah Police Commissioner Abdul Rashid Harun had said earlier that the abductors had taken two fishing boat skippers in Bekapit waters in Lahad Datu and Pulau Gaya in Semporna.

“One of the skippers was rescued (after the shootout) while the other went missing, along with two abductors,” he said.